Year 2013, Issue VOLUME 20
Date published26.6.2013
Table of content
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Violeta Kraeva, Petya Emilova, Nataliya Marinova, Kremena Marinova, Tåodor Penev, Veselin Velikov
STUDY OF BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS APPLICATION IN ORGANIZATIONS’ ACTIVITIESSummary: Various processes occur in every business organization creating outputs, which are consequently offered to customers as an end product or service. Customers, outputs and processes are constantly linked elements, and also a part of... Various processes occur in every business organization creating outputs, which are consequently offered to customers as an end product or service. Customers, outputs and processes are constantly linked elements, and also a part of the whole policy of effective business financial management. Their capability to ensure expected outputs depends on how well the processes of the company are designed or managed. The goal of the authors of this study is to explore the nature, state and problems, related to business process management systems. The idea advocated is that BPM systems are an inseparable part of any organization’s corporate information system. The tasks of the study are related to characterization of the nature of the process-oriented approach in business, description of the life cycle of BPM systems and the standards of their management, as well as investigation of the practical usage of BPM systems in Bulgarian organizations. In order to achieve the goals the authors reviewed a large number of literature sources and conducted a survey in 20 Bulgarian companies of different size and scope of activities. -
Krasimir Shishmanov, Emil Tsanov, Stefan Petrov
OPPORTUNITIES FOR APPLICATION OF ANALYTICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN BULGARIAN ENTERPRISESSummary: Analytical information systems and technologies are modern and innovative software solutions, which could support managers of business organizations in making managerial decisions. The present study aims to prove their significance... Analytical information systems and technologies are modern and innovative software solutions, which could support managers of business organizations in making managerial decisions. The present study aims to prove their significance in improving the competitiveness of enterprises. It also aims to explore the technological preparedness of Bulgarian enterprises to implement new software analytical solutions. It emphasizes on the two most popular analytical technologies: On-line Analytical Processing (OLAP) and Data Mining. The main tasks of the study could be summarized in: establishing the problems of Business Information Systems exploitation in Bulgarian enterprises, revealing the usage level of analytical software by them, determining the company profile of enterprises which have successfully implemented analytical solutions, establishing the current state of information infrastructure and possible perspectives for implementation of innovative analytical technologies. The conclusion is that Bulgarian enterprises have the necessary information infrastructure for implementation of analytical software, but the level of its application and the effectiveness of its exploitation are not high enough. -
Veselin Popov, Mariya Tashkova, Angelin Lalev
OPPORTUNITIES AND USE OF CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN MODERN BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONSJEL: D80Summary: The main goal of this study is to research the current state of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) systems and their popularization and adoption in Bulgarian business organizations. To achieve the overall goal the authors set the... The main goal of this study is to research the current state of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) systems and their popularization and adoption in Bulgarian business organizations. To achieve the overall goal the authors set the following tasks: to review the ECM-related literature; to define the main concepts in this area; to analyze the architecture and areas of application of ECM systems; to analyze the ECM current state based on a survey; and to explore the practical benefits and expectations of the ECM implementation. The basic scientific argument is that ECM has the potential to manage and control the information overload of modern business organizations. The main conclusions of this study are: the ECM functional model and structure are described; the state of ECM in business organizations in Bulgaria is examined. -
Milka Bakyrdzhieva
THE NEW QUALITIES AND ROLE OF A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION MANAGER IN A KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMYKeywords: knowledge-based economy, knowledge, power, specific human resource, business organization managerSummary: The purpose of this study is to present the main points of the transformation of industrial economy into a knowledge-based economy (KBE), emphasising on knowledge as a key element, and the new qualities and role of managers in... The purpose of this study is to present the main points of the transformation of industrial economy into a knowledge-based economy (KBE), emphasising on knowledge as a key element, and the new qualities and role of managers in business organizations (BO). The main goal is decomposed into four tasks: 1/ clarifying the nature and key elements of KBE, 2/ clarifying the nature of knowledge as the only source of high-quality power and specific human resource, 3/ presenting the new qualities of a BO manager and the aspects of his/her new role in the context of traditional roles; 4/ practical research on the attitude of Bulgarian BO managers to the requirements for new qualities and role and indirectly to the KBE. The paper advocates the idea that the transition to KBE has no alternative and it requires knowledge and trained people. The outcomes of the survey conducted with 74 managers, show in general low managerial culture and ignorance of KBE specificities and requirements. -
Dragomir Iliev, Karina Sarkisyan Dikova
INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCES – AN IMPORTANT ASSET IN MODERN BUSINESSJEL: F23Keywords: intercultural communication, intercultural competence, dimension of culture, ethnocentrism, typologySummary: The main purpose of the study is to analyze the level of intercultural competences of Bulgarian managers and employees when dealing with foreigners. The communication process between them is examined, their knowledge about the... The main purpose of the study is to analyze the level of intercultural competences of Bulgarian managers and employees when dealing with foreigners. The communication process between them is examined, their knowledge about the different cultures is considered, and the main obstacles and barriers to the Bulgarian business people in the process of intercultural communication are identified through a survey of companies. The survey tasks involve building a theoretical framework for intercultural communication, identifying the importance of culture and its dimensions for the realization of a successful business in a multicultural environment and defining the main obstacles and barriers that Bulgarian managers and employees are faced with in the process of their work with representatives of foreign cultures. The authors argue that intercultural competence contributes to achieving synergism in the implementation of business relations between Bulgarian and foreign companies. -
Tanya Gorcheva, Zdravko Lyubenov, Velina Savcheva
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE EUROPEAN PRACTICE AND IN BULGARIAJEL: M14Summary: The aim of this study is to reveal some key aspects of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) in business practices. In this regard, the main research tasks relate to disclosure of its nature, presentation and summary of... The aim of this study is to reveal some key aspects of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) in business practices. In this regard, the main research tasks relate to disclosure of its nature, presentation and summary of experience in this field. The arguments of the authors are that CSR describes the changes occurring as a result of the rapid development of technology and the intellectualization of economies causing a change in the status and importance of individual businesses, because their successful operation vividly outlines the interrelationship between economic development and social welfare in all aspects and levels of manifestation. As a result of this study the popular “good practices" in Europe and Bulgaria in the field of corporate social responsibility are investigated. They are subjected to a thorough analysis in the context of the processes occurring at national, European and global levels. -
Petyr Kynev, Iskra Panteleeva, Zoya Ivanova, Krasimir Kulchev
FLEXIBLE EMPLOYMENT IN BULGARIAN BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONSKeywords: human resources, flexible strategies, flexible forms of employment, Bulgarian business organizations, challengesSummary: The specific parameters and dynamic changes in the environment in which industrial business organizations operate highlight the need for greater use of flexible forms of employment. This mainly provokes the increasing interest of... The specific parameters and dynamic changes in the environment in which industrial business organizations operate highlight the need for greater use of flexible forms of employment. This mainly provokes the increasing interest of both researchers in different scientific fields and managers and practitioners. This study presents the results of the 2012 empirical study of flexible employment. The object of the study are the business organizations listed in Section 10 under Classification of economic activities – 2008 „Manufacture of food products“, and the focus of the study is on the flexible forms of employment. The managerial assessments of the scope and extent of the use of flexible forms of employment, the challenges facing them as well as the problems accompanying them are systematized and analysed. The dynamics in the number and structure of the employees of business organizations resulting from applying the forms is tracked. Ideas for expanding and capitalizing on opportunities and applying various forms of flexible employment are presented. The expected benefits of implementing the proposals are highlighted. -
Petyr Banchev, Vanya Grigorova, Asen Bozhikov, Pavel Gudzherov
STRATEGIC DECISIONS FOR MARKETING NETWORKS FORMATION ON THE TOURISM MARKETSummary: The modern market characteristics drive tourism organizations in Bulgaria to build marketing networks partnerships – a process, which needs science-based procedures. The study advocates the idea that the modern state of marketing... The modern market characteristics drive tourism organizations in Bulgaria to build marketing networks partnerships – a process, which needs science-based procedures. The study advocates the idea that the modern state of marketing networks on the tourism market in Bulgaria enables the development of optional strategic decisions when building them. It is exactly the turning of such decisions into procedures that is the main objective of the study, which is realized through the implementation of tasks related to the logic of integration processes on the market, the concepts of marketing networks, SWOT-analysis of the market, the specifics of the Bulgarian tourism marketing networks, the role of the electronic exchange and of social networking, etc. The main outcomes of the study are the established analytical database of the state of tourism marketing networks in Bulgaria and the proposed strategic marketing decisions in the form of optional procedures for building such networks, applicable to business practices in the tourism sector in Bulgaria. -
Penka Goranova, Zhivka Tananeeva, Georgi Todorov
MARKETING ANALYSIS OF THE “TEENAGERS SHOPPING ONLINE” MARKET SEGMENTJEL: M31Summary: This study attempts to summarize theoretically and explain practically the underlying factors that influence consumer behaviour of teenagers as a market segment. The specific objectives set for consideration are: drawing the... This study attempts to summarize theoretically and explain practically the underlying factors that influence consumer behaviour of teenagers as a market segment. The specific objectives set for consideration are: drawing the consumer characteristics of teenagers; outlining the factors that influence their consumer behaviour; analyzing their online purchases and tracking their dynamics; studying the teenagers’ consumer attitudes to the online products offered. The authors argue that there are prerequisites to consider teenagers as having different consumer behaviour compared to other consumers shopping on-line. The conclusions support marketers and managers of organizations offering online products in the selection of appropriate means to attract young people and increase their online shopping. The specific proposals include different trends from improving the attractiveness, functionality and dynamics of online shopping sites to the speed of delivery and uncompromising quality of products/services. -
Atanas Atanasov, Radosveta Krysteva Hristova, Agnesa Asparuhova
NATURE, ORGANIZATION AND MODELLING OF ACCOUNTING POLICY IN NON-FINANCIAL ENTERPRISESJEL: Ì41Summary: Accounting policy is a specific and dynamic economic model, which is the basis for the provision of management information in an enterprise. The current economic conditions require disclosure of reserves for optimizing the... Accounting policy is a specific and dynamic economic model, which is the basis for the provision of management information in an enterprise. The current economic conditions require disclosure of reserves for optimizing the accounting policy in non-financial enterprises to achieve maximum efficiency of their economic activities. The aim of the study is to examine the theoretical and organizational aspects of accounting policy and to provide opportunities for its modelling in non-financial enterprises. The theoretical and practical studies lead to the conclusion that there are reserves for optimizing the accounting policy in non-financial enterprises in terms of content, organization and practice in order to improve its information capabilities. -
Tsvetan Dilkov, Hristo Sirashki
EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF MAJOR BUSINESS PRIORITIES OVER INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT IN A GLOBALIZED WORLDSummary: Industry is at the forefront in the new growth model for the EU economy as it was formulated in the strategy "Europe 2020". Therefore this study attempts to investigate the main priorities facing the industrial enterprises. The aim... Industry is at the forefront in the new growth model for the EU economy as it was formulated in the strategy "Europe 2020". Therefore this study attempts to investigate the main priorities facing the industrial enterprises. The aim of the study is to identify the trends of development of industrial management as a result of the change in economic realities, taking into account the influence of the dynamics of management challenges of the XXI century. The main tasks aimed at achieving the objective are associated with research and analysis of the key business priorities in the globalizing economy. An analysis is made of the problems and possibilities of entrepreneurial mergers and acquisitions as a modern way to achieve competitiveness in globalizing economies, as well as the need and ability of the management approach to organization. Various research arguments are studied regarding the components of entrepreneurship’s future. The object of the study is the expected business priorities in the second decade of the XXI century. Attention is paid to the innovation of industrial companies. As a result the study outlines the need for clear and precise rules and adequate training for effective management and confirms the thesis statement that a conceptual approach is needed for the implementation of the key functions of management in an international context as well as the necessary conditions for adequate managerial control. -
Katya Chipriyanova
METHODS FOR ASSESSING THE TECHNICAL RESERVES AND THE RESERVES RISK OF INSURANCE COMPANIESKeywords: solvency 2, technical reserves, provisions for claims outstanding, solvency capital requirementsSummary: The object of this study is general insurance companies. The study focuses on methods for assessing the outstanding claims reserves and how they assess the risk of outstanding claims reserves insufficiency. The goal of the project... The object of this study is general insurance companies. The study focuses on methods for assessing the outstanding claims reserves and how they assess the risk of outstanding claims reserves insufficiency. The goal of the project is to review and systematize the scientific literature regarding the developed methods for assessing technical reserves. The study argues that the stochastic methods allow for not only predicting the expected outstanding claims but also optimizing this assessment and deriving the reserves’ distribution. As a result, the study proposes a methodology for assessing the risk of insufficient reserves for outstanding claims in accordance with the requirements of the Solvency 2 regime. -
Marina Nikolova, Marusya Stancheva Linkova, Tsvetana Shenkova, Daniela Stoilova, Elitsa Lazarova
INCREASING THE QUALITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING OFFERED TO LEARNERS STUDYING TOURISM-RELATED COURSESSummary: The present study is based on the thesis that foreign language teaching (FLT) and specialized economic courses should be interrelated. With reference to this the authors have set three research goals: to study students’ motivation... The present study is based on the thesis that foreign language teaching (FLT) and specialized economic courses should be interrelated. With reference to this the authors have set three research goals: to study students’ motivation and attitudes towards FLT and their specialized economic studies; to identify the possibilities for improving the exchange of information between current and already graduated students and strenghtening the alumni relations; to monitor students’ realaization during their Bachelor and Master’s studies and after graduation. The specific tasks of the study are related to the development of additional materials and an instrument for researching and assessing learners’ motivation and attitudes towards FLT and their specialized economic courses. The results of the completed project include the development of approaches and a methodology for optrimization of the teaching process and increasing students’ motivation during the whole course of their studies; a methodology for a continuous monitoring of the needs and attitudes of students enrolled in the Agricultural Economy program; a handbook of English for Tourism for learners taking tourism-related courses. -
Ventsislav Dikov
IMPLEMENTATION OF MODERN FLT METHODSJEL: Z11Summary: Motivation is an important factor in learning a second and foreign language. It is defined as the individual attitude, desire and efforts of the learner. Motivation is essential for achieving better language skills and increasing... Motivation is an important factor in learning a second and foreign language. It is defined as the individual attitude, desire and efforts of the learner. Motivation is essential for achieving better language skills and increasing the capacity for learning since without motivation the learning capacity decreases. The research aimed to determine to what extent and which motivational factors may be affected by the introduction of modern technical devices and information technologies in the teaching of a foreign language. To achieve this primary objective the team reviewed the existing publications in this field and conducted surveys with students, developed systems of training materials and provided interactive teaching aids. The results from the analysis of empirical data are summarized in conclusions and concrete proposals for improvement of the learning process.